Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, emphasized on Wednesday that Islamabad played a pivotal diplomatic role in the efforts that led to the US-Iran ceasefire, calling it a triumph of dialogue and engagement. Speaking in an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, he revealed that Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives had been ongoing for several weeks, ultimately culminating in the announcement of a ceasefire and the commencement of negotiations.
Describing the outcome as a significant diplomatic success, he noted that Pakistan has consistently prioritized constructive diplomacy throughout its history. He expressed appreciation to all parties for placing their confidence in Pakistan’s role during this delicate process.
In a notable development, the envoy recognized the contributions of regional and international partners, stating that their combined efforts were instrumental in achieving the ceasefire and facilitating dialogue. He specifically mentioned Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and China as key collaborators in this achievement.
Highlighting China’s involvement, he pointed out that Beijing had urged all sides to show restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions from the outset. He further noted that China’s highest leadership was actively engaged in the diplomatic push, underscoring that maintaining confidentiality was essential to the negotiations’ success. “Discretion is crucial in the negotiation process; without external pressure, the likelihood of reaching a decisive agreement improves,” he explained.
The ambassador clarified that while Pakistan’s role is that of a facilitator, the ultimate decisions rest with the concerned parties. “Pakistan is acting with full integrity, sincerely facilitating the process,” he added.
Regarding Pakistan’s relations with Gulf countries, he emphasized the country’s longstanding ties and ongoing consultations with Gulf leadership throughout the diplomatic efforts. He highlighted that approximately 5.5 million Pakistanis reside in the Gulf region, strengthening these bonds.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that these diplomatic endeavors would produce positive outcomes. He stressed that peace and stability in the Gulf would not only benefit the region but also have significant implications for global politics and the economy. “We hope this sincere and humble effort will bear fruit, fostering stability that resonates far beyond the Gulf,” he concluded.
